It is 2012! With the start of a new year and the puppy adoptions that have happened and will happen in the coming months of spring, it feels like it is time to do a few posts on life with a puppy. I have a few suggestions, but am starting off with a video that demonstrates one of my favorite suggestions for not only how to train but also how to exhaust a puppy - use an older, well-behaved dog!
Dogs may be as receptive to certain human communication signals as infants. Here’s a great article that brings insight into how we communicate with our dogs. As with humans, actions speak louder than words!
One thing I know for sure is that in order for me to be thankful for things I consider to be less worthy of gratitude, I have to start with those things I am truly thankful for - my home, my bed - you get the idea. Real gratitude somehow overflows and wraps itself around those things for which we are not quite thankful. For some, our dogs are on the top of the list. For others, perhaps with a puppy or with a dog that is difficult, gratitude is not an automatic. (Feel free to insert your kids, work, and/or mate!)
I have decreased my writing about training techniques because the market is flooded with information on how to have a well behaved dog. It’s always described as quick and easy! Yet, our dogs still pull on the leash, still bolt when they see a squirrel or cat running away from them, still bark at the mailman and still attempt to jump on people when greeting. I don’t know about your dog(s), but mine haven’t read one word from the books and are quite content being dogs and letting me figure out how to work with them.
So. . .what about (seemingly) misbehaving dogs brings me gratitude - they aren’t perfect and we don’t have to be either. They are forever two years old and need to be asked and reminded of those quick and easy dog training steps we just knew would fix them. I’m grateful that in the midst of our frustration with some of their behavior, they don’t just turn around and bite us for asking them to sit when their prey drive or zest for affection is declaring, “get rabbit - NOW” or “that human wants to pet me I just know it, I know it, I do, I do!
Have you ever heard it said we show people how to treat us? It’s not much different with our dogs. From moment one, when you bring a dog into your home, they are learning from you. If you have other dogs, they are learning from them (and vice versa). If you provide no structure or “rules,” they aren’t likely to either. They will be looking to you for guidance on where they fit in and what’s considered good behavior.
I receive calls often from those who just brought a dog home and feel like it just isn’t going to work. The dog isn’t what they thought it would be. That’s normal. Ever heard of buyer’s remorse? It can happen during that first 24 hour perid when we wonder what in the heck we were thinking when we got another dog. So, how long should it take to train this new being of your affection? I wish there were a simple answer.
If you read my blog you know I feature Melody, my Yorkie. She is a perfect example of a dog from a shelter that was sure to be someone’s little cuddle dog - not even close. I knew her from the shelter so her history of biting those that reached for her would not get her into a home that was looking for that immediate cuddle gratification. How long would it take if she ever warmed up to a human’s touch?
My question to dog people is how long do you have to train your dog? You don’t train a dog to be affectionate and trusting by dicipline, you train by example and a lot of patience. After three years, she is still learning trust. She had some great teachers with the other dogs she’s been around. They showed her I was trustworthy.
Here’s an image that I love because it took Melody a couple of years to allow herself to be this vulnerable. Don’t expect to see “this Melody” if you come to our house, but someday you might, and when you do, you will see she was well worth the wait! How much time do you have to train your dog?
I have worked with a lot of Standard Poodles, and have to admit they are very bright dogs and with consistency can learn just about anything you are willing to teach. Sophie, a seven-month-old Poodle, had just completed her schooling and was demonstrating her leash walking training skills on her older brother, Hoover. Good boy Hoover!
Some dogs or maybe that’s most dogs, will attempt to greet a human by jumping. If only our arms were connected to our knees, they wouldn’t have to jump to get a pet. It goes without saying we also contribute to this sometimes negative behavior by unintentionally rewarding the dog’s jumping by touching them in some way. Even if it’s just to push them off. Any affection in this case equals, “good dog!”
Some dogs will approach and attempt to jump until their hips no longer allow it! For (exuberant) dogs like this, don’t wait for their paws to be on you. As they approach, tell them, “no jumping.” When my hands are free, I move my forearm in a back and forth motion in front of me as I say, “no jumping.” When all four paws are on the floor (and only then) do I give affection or treat. I have had great success with ignoring the dog upon entering the home. COMPLETELY! No words, eye contact, or stopping as you enter. Walk in as if there isn’t a dog and move to an area away from the door without acknowledging the dog until they have calmed down.
I use the word, “off” in the event I’m not quick enough to step back or turn prior to the dog’s paws touching me. Off is also used for counter surfing, or being on anything they shouldn’t be even if it’s just for a time; as in, “off” the furniture.
The beauty of having a trainer work with you is they can also do a leash correction and work with the dog as it approaches you and others. They learn how to greet in a way that will get them the attention and affection they desire without leaving their imprint on someone’s blouse!
I also want to add that if the only exercise or energy focus your dog gets is when you walk in the door, jumping should be expected. Even having a favorite toy for them to run and fetch when you walk in can help use their excitement more appropriately.
I hope these tips help. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding your jumping dog.
I have clients ask if it is confusing to their dog to be told to wait some times and other times the command is to stay. There is a difference in the two and any dog can and will learn the difference. The stay command (request) is associated with a position; i.e., sit, down, or even standing. It means they do not move from that position until you return to them and give them a clear release, such as a word like okay.
Wait is very similar to what it is for us two-leggers; i.e., give me a second. It’s not attached or associated to the dog’s position. They are free to move around in the area where they are told to wait. It’s also used for entering and exiting doors or at a curb prior to crossing the street.
The most important thing to remember is that when you are teaching these requests, you need to be consistent. Don’t release your dog from a stay at a distance. In time, that may be something you choose to do; however, initially, other than the dog’s position, your returning to them for their release will differentiate the two commands (or requests as I like to call them).
Let’s say you’ve asked your dog to wait at the door as you open it. The first few times, don’t push it too long. The purpose of having them wait is so you can open the door without them rushing out AND to allow you to go first. I have corrected a dog for starting to walk through the door as they have always done and the expression on their furrowed brow as they look at me is clearly an indicator they have no clue why they just got corrected for something that was normal the last time they went through that door!
So, when you are teaching it, remember that for both “stay” and “wait” they are learning! It is so very clear to us big brains what we are expecting. It’s not so clear to our dogs. For either request, only make them stay or wait for a second. Reward! They will quickly learn what is expected and will wait or stay until given the request for them to move.
If you are having challenges in teaching either command (request), I am happy to provide assistance!
In case you think that Mac-Nanny was being a little rough with Pepper, there was a purpose to their “play” and it was supervised. Pepper was being too rough with her older brother who wouldn’t defend himself. I knew Mac-Nanny could demonstrate a few moves that would make Pepper a little less certain of herself! (I miss you Mac. Thanks for always being such a great puppy nanny)
Here’s an interesting article about Gina, a military bomb-sniffing dog, and her experience with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Having witnessed this in many dogs, I know how long of a process it can be to help the dog be comfortable being a dog again. So, while the article is informative, I am greatly disappointed to read the dog is being rehabilitated so it can go back into service. I don’t know about you, but knowing that would be enough for me to be sure I didn’t heal completely. I wish Gina could make that choice.
Maybe your dogs are like mine and know the furniture is off limits. Well, unless they are invited. I can step out the door to water the plants or do laundry and return within minutes to this scene:
I, of course, look at them authoritatively as I sincerely ask them to, GET OFF THE COUCH! But, first, let me get the camera. They are so cute when they disobey!
